Li Isprii: Red River Metis Arts and Culture Review

White text on a dark blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “[Stylized Li Isprii Logo], Conversations, Returning Spirit to a Land in Crisis: A Conversation with Métis Artist Haley Bassett”

White text on a dark blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “Haley is an interdisciplinary artist. Her work blends mediums, including beadwork and textiles, cratting sculptures and installations that explore themes of identity, culture, land, heritage, history, labour, and place.” Above the text is a photo of Haley Bassett. She has dark, curly, shoulder length hair, and is wearing a black long sleeve shirt, fringe earrings, and a small smile. She sits in a chair against a beige wall. The bottom edge of a painting in a gilded frame is visible at the top of the image, above her head.

A quote in white text on a dark blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “Beading came to me when I needed it most. They say beads have spirit, and negotiating with thousands of little spirits is incredibly challenging and immensely gratifying. - Haley Bassett”

Li Isprii presents: an in-depth interview with Haley Bassett, an award-winning Métis interdisciplinary artist. Bassett generously shared stories about her family, her path into the arts, the work she creates, and where she’s going next.

#metis #indigenous #art

www.liisprii.ca/magazine/202...

Shane Belcourt is the son of Indigenous rights activist Tony Belcourt and the brother of Métis artist Christi Belcourt.

On Face to Face, he describes what it’s like to have inspirational family members and what drew him to documentary filmmaking: youtu.be/mRub-ODr3LM

A Boo(k) Week graphic with a black and dark purple background. The covers of Griffin's four book selections are scattered around the centred text which reads "Boo(k) Week Pics With Griffin Bjerke-Clarke." Griffin's author photo is in the bottom right corner.

Closing out Halloweek, Métis author Griffin Bjerke-Clarke shares four contemporary classics you may have missed. These haunting selections remind us that any good tragedy has the potential to create a happy ending.

Find the picks here:
alllitup.ca/book-week-yo...

Haley Bassett is an interdisciplinary artist of Métis and settler descent. Their practice explores identity, culture, land, heritage, and history, with a recent focus on the intersections of identity, place, and labour.

White text on a blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “[Stylized Li Isprii Logo], Running Toward the Storm: A Review of Kohkom's Babushka by Lianna Makuch and Joleen Ballendine”

In a white frame a blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers the poster image for “Kohkom’s Babushka” appears. The cover features the colourful silhouette of a tied Babushka scarf. Inside the silhouette two girls stand on either side of a large tree. The title appears in bold purple lettering.

A quote in white text on a blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “Makuch and Ballendine became 'real-life best friends' after meeting in junior high in 2001, and their decades long friendship can be felt in every line of dialog. There is a realness to the girls, and their friendship, that gives the play much of its weight and strength.”

Jeremy Allard reviews Kohkom's Babushka by Lianna Makuch and Joleen Ballendine. A family-friendly theatrical adaptation of a children's book by the same name, Kohkom's Babushka takes on the challenging subject of Ukrainian-Metis reconciliation.

#metis #theatre

www.liisprii.ca/magazine/202...

I’m excited to announce that after almost a year of working in collaboration with MINI TIPI we are launching “JOY” on Thursday, October 23rd, 5-8pm in Ottawa.

We will also have a Special Collector’s Edition available while quantities last.

See you there!

New collection examines the continuum of life through the intimacy of poetry Métis writer Katherena Vermette says it is “incredibly humbling” when she considers that she’s here for only a finite amount of time.“When we think about what's most important, it ends up being our lo...

“procession talks about honouring those who've come before and making a space for those after. And that's really the premise of the whole book. How to be in that space in the middle.”

#Indigenous #Métis #books #poetry

EP 178 Adoption, Culture, and Identity (with guest Dr. Brittany Penner) Podcast Episode · Better Me · 2025-10-13 · 19m

Dr. Brittany Penner, an author and practicing family physician in Manitoba, joined me to talk about her new memoir, "Children Like Us: A Métis Woman's Memoir of Family, Identity and Walking Herself Home." #podcast #betterme #adoption #Métis

podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/e...

You used to call me Marie by Tai Amy Grauman returns to Vancouver after a run at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

This epic Métis tale of love, resilience and the rise of the Métis Nation is at the Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver before touring venues across the Lower Mainland.

Music plays and ponies dance as the epic story of Marie Callihoo and generations of Alberta’s Métis women unfurls through time in "You used to call me Marie…"

An Arts Club On Tour presentation on November 8-9

Tickets: anviltheatre.ca/event/you-us...

#newwest #yvrtheatre

White text on a blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “[Stylized Li Isprii Logo], Book Review, Beaver Hills Forever by Conor Kerr”

In a white frame a blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers the cover of "Beaver Hills Forever by Conor Kerr" appears. The cover has the look of an ink drawing and features a beaver swimming through a liquid dark enough to be oil with a lit match in its mouth in the foreground, and a city skyline in the background.

A quote in white text on a blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “As poetry, it reminded me more of the popular 'slam' style, with larger-than-life characters baring their hopes and dreams directly to the audience in a way that felt distinctly 'oral, and somehow more real than reality...”

White text on a blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “Read the full review at liisprii.ca”

Jeremy Allard reviews Beaver Hills Forever, a new "Poetic Novella" by Metis author Conor Kerr, published by @arsenalpulp.bsky.social. Not sure what to expect from a "poetic novella"? Wondering if it's for you? We've got answers.

#metis #indigenous 🌎📚💙

www.liisprii.ca/magazine/202...

Passion for Indigenous fashion Designer taps traditional techniques to preserve Métis culture

By incorporating ancient Indigenous methods of art and design into her custom creations and runway looks, designer Amy McPherson is on a mission to preserve her Métis culture through fashion.

Rows of book covers line the top and bottom of the image. In the centre, white text on a light blue background reads, “[Stylized Li Isprii Logo], Metis Reads, October/November 2025”

The October/November edition of Metis Reads is here! Featuring books by Brittany Penner, Emily Grafton, and other titles of interest. Jump in and find a few great books available for pre-order!

#Metis #Indigenous 🌎📚💙

www.liisprii.ca/magazine/202...

White text surrounded by white dot painted flowers on an orange background reads “[Li Isprii stylized logo] 5 Indigenous-Owned Options for Orange Shirt Day.”

A small roundup of indigenous-owned shops selling orange shirts for Orange Shirt Day, and a few thoughts on a hard day.

#indigenous #metis

www.liisprii.ca/magazine/202...

YouTube video by APTN News ‘Decolonization and Me’ co-author on denialism and what the book means to her | APTN News

A new book titled Decolonization and Me confronts residential school denialists.

As part of our continued coverage leading up to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Métis scholar and co-author Kristy McLeod explains what this book means to her.

Amanda Rheaume - #44 (Live From The Woodshed) Listen to #44 (Live From The Woodshed) by Amanda Rheaume.

Amanda Rheaume's new single "#44 (Live from The Woodshed)" is OUT NOW 🧡 This deeply moving song is inspired by the life and experiences of Robert Merasty, a Métis residential school survivor from Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan.

Stream everywhere:
ishkode.lnk.to/44-live-from...

45K views · 380 reactions | Sometimes love, like a phoenix, rises from the ashes… Presented by @ciffcalgary / @cbcgem / @aptn_ca and Flying Up Moon Inc… here is the Official Teaser Trailer for Rosea... Sometimes love, like a phoenix, rises from the ashes… Presented by @ciffcalgary / @cbcgem / @aptn_ca and Flying Up Moon Inc… here is the Official Teaser Trailer for Roseanne Supernault’s...

If you get a chance to see stylized #Dusk&Dawn "Indigenous love story" by Cree/Metis director #RoseanneSupernault at Red Nation Film Fest in LA Nov 13, don't miss it!
Costumes by Oshea Bellerose & jewelry by Helen Oro incredible.
Blowing up 🎥 cliches. #moviesky

www.facebook.com/roseannesupe...

Writer Spotlight: Michael Peterson ✍️

We’re proud to spotlight Michael Peterson (Métis Nation of Saskatchewan), an artist, screen printer, and writer.

On our platform, Michael has published three pieces of writing.

icca.art/publications

Metis filmmaker continues to explore sci-fi themes through Indigenous lens with Parallel Minds It’s perhaps a sign of Benjamin Ross Hayden’s unyielding ambition that a conversation with the young Metis filmmaker about his new thriller, Parallel Minds, keeps v…

Metis filmmaker continues to explore sci-fi themes through Indigenous lens with Parallel Minds, via @CalgaryHerald

Also recommending Conor Kerr's BEAVER HILLS FOREVER. A free verse novella about four young Metis people falling out of relationship with community & others, & then maybe (ambiguously) back again. I read it straight through in an hour & a half at my favorite coffee shop & was v deeply moved.

Introduction to Michif — one word at a time Winnipeg entrepreneurs pack hopes of revitalizing Métis language into pack of digital, physical flashcards

Before the wolf can howl, Norman Fleury says a Michif word: Ooyoowuk.

The cover of the book "Beaver Hills Forever: A Métis Poetic Novella" by Conor Kerr, with stacked text above reading, "Happy book birthday!", along with the book title, subtitle, and author's name. Below, footer text lists the publisher, Arsenal Pulp Press, and their website, arsenal pulp dot com. On the book cover is a beaver with a lit match in its mouth swims through a river. In the background is a bridge and a city skyline. The book title, “Beaver Hills Forever,” appears against a smoky sky above the city. In the bottom right corner is the author’s name, “Conor Kerr,” and the words, “Author of Prairie Edge.” The cover is illustrated in a black-and-white semi-realistic style with inked lines. The lit match and the author’s name and byline have an orange hue.

Conor Kerr, photographed by Jay Walker.

Out now! #BeaverHillsForever by Conor Kerr is an irreverent and playful novella of Métis voices that reflects the complexities of contemporary prairie life.

Out now in Canada & the US. 👉 Read more: arsenalpulp.com/Books/B/Beav...

cover image for the podcast episode of Relentless Indigenous Woman podcast. Image is a profile pic of Christi Belcourt (taken from about 10 years ago) surrounded by a warm pink frame with yellow lines and the RIW podcast logo. Words read "New episode out now with Christi Belcourt.

It was a thrill to sit down with Dr. Candace Linklater on her podcast Relentless Indigenous Woman. We discuss everything from art to world current events. Amazing conversation.

The episode released today is found on all platforms. Or listen directly from here:
www.buzzsprout.com/.../17791313....

Calling all artists! 📣 We're looking for art that explores culture, cultural identity, or what culture means to you. We have a few spots left for our special Culture Days exhibition. To take part, contact us!
📩 registrar@laclabichemuseum.com
#AlbertaCultureDays

White text on a pale blue gradient with a faint purple tint reads, “[Stylized Li Isprii Logo], Call for Submissions”

White text on a pale blue gradient with a faint purple tint reads, “[Stylized Li Isprii Logo], Are you a new, emerging, or established Red River Metis writer? Li Isprii wants to hear from you! Tell us about the art that has shaped you. Review a Metis show, book, movie, or album. Interview a Metis artist. Compare multiple pieces of media. Explore trends in Metis media and representation. We're interested in all of this, and more! All we need from you is a bio explaining your relationship to Red River, and a pitch. Details at: liisprii.ca/submission-guidelines”

We’re open for submissions! Seeking arts and culture writing on a wide range of subjects, by Red River Metis writers of all experience levels.

Full guidelines at: www.liisprii.ca/submission-guidelines

#metis #michif #indigenous #writingcommunity

White text on a dark blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “[Stylized Li Isprii Logo], Conversations, Gleeful Mischief and the Metis Aesthetic: A Conversation with Li Isprii Creative Director Jeremy Allard”

White text on a dark blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “Jeremy Allard is the head editorial decision maker, majority owner, and Creative Director of Li Isprii. He is a beadwork artist, works as a bar manager in Banff, Alberta, and designs cocktails for menus and competitions.” Above the text is a photo of Jeremy Allard looking over a colourful art gallery atrium exhibit in Saskatoon. He is wearing a dark jean jacket; the back panel is decorated with traditional Metis flower beadwork.

A quote in white text on a dark blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “There's been a lot of really exciting stuff happening in the Metis arts scene. The thing we're lacking is not great art or great artists, it's the space to have a conversation about it that is informed by our own specific culture and geography - Jeremy Allard”

White text on a dark blue-green background decorated with small, white, dot-painted flowers reads, “Read the full interview at liisprii.ca”

In the grand tradition of introductions, we inaugurate Li Isprii with an interview with the interviewer, Li Isprii Creative Director Jeremy Allard. A deep and wide ranging conversation touching on editorial intent, beadwork, fashion, photojournalism, and mixology.

www.liisprii.ca/magazine/202...

Metis Reads: September 2025 — Li Isprii Books releasing in September 2025, written by Red River Metis authors, or of interest to Red River Metis Readers.

Our very first edition of “Metis Reads” features upcoming books by Conor Kerr and Katherena Vermette, two anthologies with Metis editors and contributors, and other titles of interest. Jump in and find a few great books available for pre-order!

#Metis 🌎📚💙

www.liisprii.ca/magazine/202...

Blue text on a pale blue background framed by watercolour water splashes reads: “Introducing: [Stylized Li Isprii Logo] A Red River Metis Arts and Culture Review”

Blue text on a pale blue background framed by watercolour water splashes reads: “Li Isprii publishes arts and culture writing by Red River Metis authors, featuring Red River Metis artists, for a Red River Metis audience. Available now at: liisprii.ca Piihtikway | Bienvenue | Welcome”

We’re delighted to announce the launch of Li Isprii: Red River Metis Arts and Culture Review, celebrating Red River Metis writers, artists, and culture-makers throughout the homeland and beyond!

Visit us at: www.liisprii.ca

#metis #michif #indigenous

Congratulations Tonia! We're so excited for you and this series!

🌎📚💙

Fun fact: Winnipeg’s two largest downtown streets, Portage and Main, are the size they are because in the 1800s they accommodated vast red river cart trains full of furs, pemmican, and freight.